Swan Valley Tours

18 reviews

ht on Perth’s doorstep, Swan Valley offers an idyllic retreat from city life. Renowned as one of Western Australia’s oldest wine regions, its expanse of vineyards and scenic waterways are home to numerous wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and an excellent selection of artisan shops and gourmet restaurants.

The Basics

Locals flock to Swan Valley on sunny weekends. It’s the ideal backdrop for wine tasting at award-winning wineries, sipping beer at a boutique brewery, or enjoying a leisurely lunch at a vineyard restaurant.

Set sail on a wine tasting cruise along Swan River, take a walking tour of historic Guildford, or join a tasting tour and get the inside scoop on the region’s best artisan products, from cheese, nuts, and honey to handmade chocolate, ice cream, and macarons.

Things to Know Before You Go

The legal drinking age of 18 applies for all Swan Valley wine tastings.Most Swan Valley wineries don’t have a dress code, but smart-casual dress is required at the region’s more upmarket restaurants.Phone and internet coverage vary throughout Swan Valley, but the Swan Valley Visitor Centre in Guildford offers free Wi-Fi.Sunscreen, plenty of water, and comfortable shoes are a must if you plan on walking through the vineyards.Many Swan Valley wineries are wheelchair accessible, although tours of the vineyards are not always possible, and it’s best to check in advance to avoid disappointment.

How to Get There

Swan Valley lies along Swan River, around 16 miles (26 kilometers) northeast of Perth. Trains run from Perth to Guildford, but the most convenient way to travel is with your own transport or a guided tour.

When to Get There

The best time for Swan Valley wine tours is from September to December, when the warm weather is ideal for walking, cycling, or wine tasting amid the vineyards. It’s possible to visit the Swan Valley wineries year-round—in the summer months (December to February), it’s recommended to book ahead for tastings as it can get crowded, while the winter months (June to August) often mean cheaper prices on accommodation and activities.

Swan Valley Wine Tasting

Wine lovers are spoiled for choice with Swan Valley’s more than a hundred family vineyards, wineries, and cellar doors. The best-known wineries include Sandalford, Upper Reach, and Olive Farm. Must-try varieties include Verdelho, chenin blanc, and shiraz wines, and Verdelho and shiraz liqueurs. Head to Coward & Black for wines paired with Margaret River chocolates; Mandoon Estate’s restaurant, brewery, and art gallery; or Harris Organic Wines, Perth’s only certified organic winery.

Cruise through the Swan River Valley from Perth for a relaxing day on the water that includes a stop at a local winery. Take in views of Perth and the riverfront scenery of the upper Swan River while snacking on morning and afternoon tea, and enjoy wine tastings on board the boat before visiting Sandalford Winery for a behind-the-scenes tour and 2-course lunch with more wine tastings. On the return cruise, listen to live entertainment.Effective April 4 to May 16, 2018, due to construction of the new Perth stadium footbridge, the government have closed access to all vessels. There will be a small bus trip within your cruise time due to this temporary closure.

Discover the delights of Swan Valley on a half- or full-day tour from Perth. You’ll explore the culinary highlights of this Western Australian wine region, from cheese and chocolate to craft beer and, of course, wine. Learn about wine making in the area, and visit enjoy lunch at Homestead Brewery at Mandoon Estate if you select the full-day tour. Between stops, stay cool on an air-conditioned coach.

Discover the delights of Swan Valley’s Food and Wine Trail on this tour from Perth. You have your choice of a morning tour, which features mostly sweet treats, and the afternoon tour that takes in more savory items. As you travel through the scenic wine region, stop at local wineries, breweries, chocolate shops, cafes and more for more than 25 tastings of everything from honey to coffee to cheese to, of course, wine. This small-group tour is limited to 16 people to provide a more personalized experience.

Customize your sightseeing itinerary while saving money on Perth tourist attractions with a Perth Sightseeing Pass. Select from several pass options, which include a round-trip airport transfer, a half-day tour on the Perth and Freemantle Explorer, and your choice of one, two or three full-day sightseeing trips from Perth. See the wildflowers in bloom at Kings Park botanical gardens and visit Cottesloe Beach on your coach tour. You'll have six optional destinations to choose from!